Cost of Living in Fayette, AL
Population 4,221 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $38,009, median household incomes in Fayette land roughly 49% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 16.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 35 miles northwest of Tuscaloosa, Fayette falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Tuscaloosa's $237,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fayette
The median home value in Fayette is $122,100 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $589/month, 55% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $38,009/year is 49% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 16.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. Overall, Fayette has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.
Fayette has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fayette, AL?
Fayette has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fayette, AL?
The median gross rent in Fayette is $589 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fayette?
The median home value in Fayette is $122,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fayette?
The median household income in Fayette is $38,009 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fayette, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fayette is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Fayette, AL affordable?
Yes, Fayette is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.
Fayette at a Glance
- Population
- 4,221
- Median Income
- $38,009
- Home Value
- $122,100
- Median Rent
- $589/mo
- Unemployment
- 16.7%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Alabama Rankings
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